Post-Operative Tooth Extraction Instructions

After the Appointment

Healing time varies depending on how difficult the extraction was (for example, a fully erupted tooth versus an impacted tooth). Generally, here is what to expect:

• Your mouth may remain numb for several hours. Avoid eating, drinking hot liquids, or chewing until the numbness has completely worn off to prevent accidental injury.
• Mild soreness, tenderness, or swelling around the extraction site is normal for a few days.

Bleeding Control

Some bleeding is expected for several hours after your tooth has been removed.

• To control bleeding, place a piece of clean, moist gauze or a moistened tea bag directly over the extraction site and bite down firmly for about 45 minutes.
• The tannic acid in the tea helps a blood clot form, which is essential for proper healing.
• Avoid rinsing, spitting, or sucking actions (such as drinking through a straw or smoking) for the first 24 hours, as these can dislodge the clot and cause a painful dry socket.

Swelling Management

• Facial swelling can occur near the extraction area.
• Apply a cold compress or wrapped ice pack to the outside of your face in 10-minute intervals on, 20 minutes off for the first 24 hours.
• After the first day, switch to moist warm compresses (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) to promote circulation and healing.

Pain Management

• Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) can help manage discomfort.
• If prescribed stronger medication, take it only as directed.
• If antibiotics were prescribed before or after your extraction, continue taking them until the prescription is finished unless instructed otherwise.

Diet and Hydration

• Avoid hot liquids and alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours after surgery.
• Eat soft foods or a liquid diet for the first 24 hours, and gradually reintroduce solid foods as tolerated.
• Drink at least six glasses of fluid in the first day to replenish blood loss and stay hydrated.

Oral Care

• Continue brushing your teeth, but avoid the teeth adjacent to the extraction site for the first 24 hours.
• After the first day, resume gentle brushing and begin rinsing with warm salt water (½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) after meals and before bed.
• Do not use commercial mouth rinses, as these may irritate the extraction area.

Sutures

• If sutures were placed, they may dissolve or fall out on their own within 4–5 days.
• If you feel a loose suture or “string” in your mouth, you may gently remove it if visible.
• Losing a stitch early is not uncommon and usually does not affect healing.

Bone Healing

• Occasionally, a small sharp piece of bone (called a bone spicule or bone spur) may appear through the gums as the bone reshapes during healing.
• This is a normal part of bone remodeling and often resolves on its own.
• If it causes discomfort or persists, please contact our office for evaluation.

Healing Time

Most patients feel comfortable within one to two weeks, but complete healing of the bone and soft tissue can take 4–6 months.

Call our office if your healing seems to improve and then suddenly becomes very painful — this may indicate infection or dry socket.

When to Call the Office

Follow-Up

Attend all recommended follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office. We are committed to your comfort and recovery.